Ohio HHF Press Release

Hardest Hit Funds Allows OHFA to Continue the Fight Against Foreclosure and Blight

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) today announced that several milestones have been met under the Hardest Hit Fund Save the Dream Ohio (SDO) programs.

The Neighborhood Initiative Program (NIP), a program designed to help prevent foreclosures and stabilize local property values exceeded 5,000 residential demolitions after experiencing strong first quarter performance. Under the program, vacant and blighted homes across the state were demolished and converted into improved lots for community use, expansion of existing residential yards and development. Twenty-nine percent of the $238 million of Hardest Hit Funds allocated to this initiative have been reimbursed to a portion of the thirty-seven participating county land banks.

Also, under the SDO programs, 469 homeowners have received assistance with reinstatement of current mortgages and ongoing payment assistance since re-introducing the program on September 26, 2016. To date, over 25,000 Ohio homeowners have been able to avoid foreclosure.

Director of Homeownership, James Durham shares, "Seeing the results of these initiatives and the positive impact both programs have on strengthening communities is truly rewarding. We appreciate the hard work and collaborative efforts of the participating county land banks and housing counseling agencies that ensure these funds are used appropriately across the state."

Over seventy percent of the $762 million of Hardest Hit Funds received from the U.S. Department of the Treasury for use in Ohio has been disbursed. Homeowners from all eighty-eight counties have received payment assistance and blight is being addressed in both large and small counties. Participating counties include, Lucas, Scioto, Cuyahoga, Williams, Licking and Montgomery.